Palatal volume following rapid maxillary expansion in mixed dentition

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate volumetric variations in the palate following rapid expansion, both immediately after treatment and over time.

Materials and methods: The sample was composed of 30 patients in early mixed dentition treated with a Haas-type device cemented onto the primary second molars. The mean age of the patients upon commencement of expansion was 7 years and 6 months (standard deviation [SD], 12 months). Measurement of palatal volume was conducted via 3D acquisition of plaster models using laser scanning before treatment (T1), upon device removal (T2), and 2.6 years afterward (T3).

Results: The volume of the palate increased in a statistically significant fashion from T1 to T2 and from T1 to T3, and it decreased in a nonsignificant fashion from T2 to T3.

Conclusions: Palatal volume significantly increases with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment with insignificant relapse. The use of virtual 3D models with the aid of Apposite software permits evaluation of the morphologic and volumetric changes induced by orthodontic treatment.

Figures

Figure 1.

“Roland Picza mdx-15/20” Model

Figure 2.

View of horizontal plane

Figure 3.

Intersection between horizontal and vertical planes

Figure 4.

Mesh after cleaning

Figure 5.

Volume of palate visualized as a solid

Figure 6.

Measurements table

Figure 7.

(A) Volume at T1. (B) Volume at T2. (C) Volume at T3

Figure 8.

Superimpositions T1, T2, and T3